Gas hot water heater

[firos holi]

I had a new high-efficiency gas heater installed in 1994 when a new gas furnace was installed. I have performed no maintenance since the installation. Lately, the heater does not want to keep up with the hot water demands we put on it — seems like we run out of hot water when taking a shower while the clothes washer is running. That was not a problem until recently.Suggestions???

[Jack FaesslerParticipant]

Depending on where you live, climate will play a role in the amount of hot water a heater can produce. You must first eliminate the fact that your consumtion has not increased. Assuming it has not, you can check for the correct burner operation. The flame should be primarily blue in color or at least not have the presence of too much yellow flame. The reason for climate playing a role is that incoming cold water temperatures are typically colder in the winter months. Understanding how a gas water heater is sized is the basis of what I will explain. British Thermal Units (BTU) is the measurement of heat, which basically means 1 BTU is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water 1 degree. If the incoming cold water is 50 degrees and the outgoing water temperature you desire is 120 degrees, then the water temperature difference (temperature rise) is 70 degrees. This means than your water heater has to heat every pound of water 70 degrees. One gallon of water weighs 8.33 pounds. If your consumption is 10 gallons per hour, that is 83.3 pounds per hour. At 83.3 pounds per hour at a temperature rise of 70 degress, you would need to multiply 83.3 lbs by 70 degrees which gives you the BTUs required to produce 10 gallons per hour or in that example = 5,831 BTUs. You will find most heaters in the 20 or 30 thousand BTU range in a residential application. Located on your water heater is a Boiler Plate which indicates the BTU rating of your heater. I may have given you too much information or some that you were not expecting. If I can help you further, you may visit our web site or contact us. http://www.citysearch/rdu/schooloftrade.com There may be some books to guide you in your area. Many large book stores carry Do it yourself manuals. Our books are home study books which may include too much information for those not involved in the plumbing industry. What I described above is part of what I wrote for the Water Heater Manual we teach and sell.Thank you. Sincerely: Michael A.Joyce President Joyce Company, Inc. Plumbing Contracting Firm Joyce Productions, Inc School of Trade Cary, NC

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